Cabbage and Ground Beef Skillet Recipe

A simple, traditional, and budget-friendly dish made with cabbage and ground beef. This one-pot meal is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy family dinner!

Ingredients:

1 lb (450 g) ground beef (beef, lamb, or chicken)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2–3 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced

1 tbsp tomato paste (or 1 tsp tomato concentrate)

1 can (14.5 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped)

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp black pepper

Salt to taste

2–3 tbsp olive oil or butter

1 cup (240 ml) water or beef broth

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Brown the beef:
In a large skillet or pot, heat the oil and brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper.

Sauté onion and garlic:
Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Add tomatoes and spices:
Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, paprika, and mix well. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to enhance the flavor.

Add cabbage:
Gradually add the shredded cabbage. It will look like a lot at first, but it wilts down as it cooks. Stir to combine.

Simmer:
Pour in water or broth. Cover with a lid and simmer over medium-low heat for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.

Serve:
Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley. Great with crusty bread, rice, or as-is for a low-carb meal.

Tips & Variations:
Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or hot sauce for a kick.

For extra flavor: Add a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end.

Healthier version: Use lean ground chicken or turkey instead of beef.

Optional finish: Transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with shredded cheese, and broil for 5 minutes.